Forest Park School District 91 is getting new leadership for the 2026-2027 academic year.
On May 14, the Board of Education unanimously approved contracts for two new interim superintendents: Timothy Kilrea and James Gay.
The duo will replace Dr. Robert Hubbird, who is stepping down at the conclusion of the school year. Hubbird, who has worked in District 91 since 2022, is leaving to serve as superintendent at Lincoln Elementary School District 156 in Calumet City.
Hubbird has served as interim superintendent since July 2025. He assumed the role last summer after Dr. Elizabeth Alvarez announced her resignation to join Proviso Township High School District 209. As the search for a permanent superintendent continues, Kilrea and Gay will work together to support District 91 students, staff, families and the school board.
Both individuals are retired superintendents. Due to Illinois law limiting retired superintendents to 100 workdays per school year, District 91 is utilizing a shared interim leadership model. Their contracts begin on July 1, 2026 and end on June 30, 2027. The district will pay $1,000 per day for the services of the interim working on that day.
Jed Brewer, a school board member who sits on the superintendent search committee, said several candidates were interviewed before offers were made to Kilrea and Gay.
“I think we have found a wonderful team that has the utmost confidence of this board,” Brewer said.
Kilrea, 61, served as superintendent of Lyons Township High School District 204 from 2009–2021, leading a high-performing district of more than 4,200 students, 565 employees, and a $76 million operating budget.
Prior to serving as superintendent, Kilrea held leadership roles in human resources, district administration and school leadership, including principal, associate principal, dean and department chair. He began his career as a social studies teacher. Since retiring, Kilrea has continued serving districts in interim superintendent and human resources leadership roles.
Gay, 65, served as superintendent of Consolidated High School District 230 from 2007–2021, leading one of the largest high school districts in Illinois and overseeing district operations, curriculum and instruction, finance, human resources and community relations. District 230 is based in Orland Park. Prior to serving as superintendent, Gay held leadership roles as deputy superintendent, principal, assistant principal and faculty member in both public and private school settings.
Reflecting on his time as interim superintendent, Hubbird said he is proud of the tremendous progress that District 91 has made in a short time.
“For the first time ever, both staff and students have described Forest Park School District 91 as ‘well-organized’ on the 5Essential survey for the 2025–2026 school year,” Hubbird said. “Over the past four years, we have remained fiscally responsible to our taxpayers while ending each year with a financial surplus — an accomplishment made possible through collaboration, dedication, and shared commitment.”
Hubbird said he is deeply grateful to stakeholders and the school board for entrusting him with leading the development of the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, including new pillars, goals, KPIs, and refreshed vision and mission statements.
“I am excited about the incredible possibilities ahead for our students, staff, and community as we continue moving forward together under this new strategic direction,” he said.